MSF: Fast rescue craft unplanned descent
- Safety Flash
- Published on 12 September 2013
- Generated on 6 December 2025
- IMCA SF 14/13
- 1 minute read
The Marine Safety Forum has published safety flash 13-29 regarding an unplanned lowering of a fast rescue craft (FRC).
The incident occurred after a fast rescue craft was retrieved to a height of 23 metres above sea level following operational duties. When ‘hoist up’ control input was given via the davit controls the FRC started an unplanned but gradual descent to the sea. With controls returned to the neutral position the descent continued. Activation of the emergency stop also did not stop the descent.
It was concluded that both hoist brakes had functionally failed and that the only brake arresting the descent was the mechanical centrifugal/inertia brake. Four persons were aboard the FRC but no injuries were sustained.
The full safety flash is now available on request from the Marine Safety Forum.
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